Waipori River

Waipori River
One of several dams on the Waipori River
Map
Route of the Waipori River
Waipori River is located in New Zealand
Waipori River
Mouth of the Waipori River
Waipori River is located in South Island
Waipori River
Waipori River (South Island)
Location
CountryNew Zealand
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • coordinates45°49′43″S 169°44′21″E / 45.8286°S 169.7391°E / -45.8286; 169.7391
Mouth 
 • location
Taieri River
 • coordinates
45°59′32″S 170°08′42″E / 45.9921°S 170.1449°E / -45.9921; 170.1449
Basin features
ProgressionWaipori RiverTaieri RiverPacific Ocean
Tributaries 
 • leftDeep Creek, Burnt Creek, Stony Creek, Mill Creek, Contour Channel, Bull Creek
 • rightShepherd Stream, Dowdle Creek
WaterfallsWaipori Falls

The Waipori River is in Otago in the South Island of New Zealand. Rising in the Lammerlaw Range, it flows southeast for 50 kilometres (31 mi) before joining the Taieri River near Henley, 30 kilometres (19 mi) southwest of Dunedin of which it is officially the southernmost border.

The upper reaches of the Waipori flow through rough hill country, much of it covered by the Berwick Forest. An artificial lake, Lake Mahinerangi is formed on the river behind a small hydroelectric station at Waipori Falls, which was built in 1880 to provide power for the city of Dunedin. Much of this area is within the Waipori Falls Scenic Reserve.[1]

The lower reaches of the river pass through an area of wetlands around Lakes Waihola and Waipori, both of which drain into the river. This area is a habitat for many species of wading birds. The Sinclair Wetlands reserve is located in this area.[1]

The name Waipori comes from Māori words meaning "dark water".[2]

  1. ^ a b Dann, C. & Peat, N. (1989) Dunedin, North and South Otago. Wellington: GP Books; pp. 66-69.
  2. ^ Reed, A. W. (1975). Place names of New Zealand. Wellington: A. H. & A. W. Reed. ISBN 0-589-00933-8. p. 453.